lavender

[lav-uhn-der]

noun

1. a pale bluish purple.

2. any Old World plant or shrub belonging to the genus Lavandula, of the mint family, especially L. angustifolia, having spikes of fragrant, pale purple flowers.

3. the dried flowers or other parts of this plant placed among linen, clothes, etc., for scent or as a preservative.

4. Also called lavender water. toilet water, aftershave, or the like, made with a solution of oil of lavender.

adjective

1. of the color lavender.

2. Informal.

   1. of or relating to gay male sexual orientation.

   2. (of a man) gay or effeminate.

lavender

/ ˈlævəndə /

noun

1. any of various perennial shrubs or herbaceous plants of the genus Lavandula, esp L. vera, cultivated for its mauve or blue flowers and as the source of a fragrant oil ( oil of lavender ): family Lamiaceae (labiates) See also spike lavender Compare sea lavender

2. the dried parts of L. vera, used to perfume clothes

3. 1. a pale or light bluish-purple to a very pale violet colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      lavender socks

4. perfume scented with lavender

5. informal,  (modifier) of or relating to homosexuality

   lavender language

Word History and Origins

Origin of lavender¹

First recorded in 1225–75; Middle English lavendre, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin lavendula, variant of livendula, nasalized variant (unrecorded) of lividula “a plant livid in color”; livid , -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of lavender¹

C13: lavendre, via French from Medieval Latin lavendula, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

In winter, it's a wonderland of ski resorts and ice-sculpture festivals; in summer, fields bloom with bands of lavender, poppies and sunflowers.

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Scents of lavender spit out from oil diffusers placed strategically throughout the venue.

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The kitchen smelled marvelous, of coffee and shaving soap and lavender water, and a hot breakfast cooked by one’s own mother.

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Their wings, in shades of lavender, green and red, represented certain crystals and traits: amethyst as one of calm and purity, malachite as one of protection and rose garnet for healing and love.

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Or the floating cabinetry units Soriano designed in place of walls, laminated in warm shades of lavender, mustard, orange and blue micarta.

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Related Words

• lilac 
• violet